These four chapters were actually just a wholesome and pleasant read. Pure, simple, elegant fantasy. I forgot just how close to the edge of Alagaesia Eragon and company get in this earlier portion of Eldest. The wonder I felt about what else is beyond the lands of Alagaesia is still there after all this years. Such a great feeling. The world of Alagaesia is so intriguing on it's own, wondering what lies beyond is immense fun. I guess this feeling is simply joy.
I am so happy and fascinated by how I only remember maybe sixty percent at best of the Inheritance Cycle. It really feels like a lifetime ago I read these even though it's been like, eleven-thirteen years. Add into the fact that there are TWO NEW installments I get to read is just sooooo epic.
Chapters read:
- Down the Rushing Mere-Wash
- Drifting
- Arya Svit-kona
- Ceris
These chapters felt care free and very much unstressful. After the harsh reality of Roran's life, this felt nice and reminded me full well that this is a fantasy book once again. I love the contrast so much. Saphira breathing fire again was wicked to read. Eragon learning about Ascûdgamln was cool, which is when someone gets a surgery on their knuckles to be able to install metal pieces or other weaponry directly onto your fists. Pretty gnarly and took me back easily.
Eragon has another seizure and I found it really cool that Orik gave Eragon a puzzle to distract him from the pain and stress of having this issue due to the Shade's attack in book one. Reminds me of chess. I got my son a chess board for Christmas. I can't wait for him to see it. I'm so glad he enjoys the game. Hope when life ever gets him down, he can play the game and it can help relax his mind whenever he needs it. This is a thought that definitely did not cross my mind when I first read Eragon. These rings were cool but now I see this little kind act in a bit of a more significant way. Makes the characters kind of just more realistic and relatable.
Arya was a bit rude to the dwarves in recent prior chapters but, these chapters show her in a different light, and the elves in a whole different light as well. Elves are just simply built different. They are essentially extremely 'fancy' for a lack of a better word and behave sort of royal like to put it simply? Highly political and manners based, that sorta thing. She explains that a big reason they are like this is because they live long but don't really reproduce at a high rate. That sort of society does sound fascinating. But in addition, elves do seem just different by nature. They are pure magic.
Meeting other elves and entering Du Weldenvarden felt like the Inheritance Cycle entered a new phase.
The elves' land... Du Weldenvarden.
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The introduction of the elves was so well done and surprisingly abrupt and to the point. Paolini seemed to really displaying his confidence as a writer. I think it makes Eragon more of a gem honestly. Eragon, the book, is so rough and the world around seems so raw and confusing, Eldest really feels like the world has deepened in a big way.
The elves greeting Arya and everyone in a magical joyous way was like, really fun. Arguably an overload, alien level of fun. When I read how they danced holding hands and laughed basically angelically I was like dumbfounded. A scene like this and this style of writing was really never seen up until this point of the series. It was so cool and fantastical for sure. The elves have been so mysterious and learning about them again is great fun.
The last chapter ended with their journey on Eldor Lake. I loved it. Simple, and wholesome. Them floating on this lake on the very edge of Alagaesia just feels like what fantasy is all about. Plus knowing how Inheritance ends, this just makes it more all more amazing. The lake seems so peaceful the way it's described. I don't think they ever revisit Eldor Lake again in the entire series. So odd to be sentimental about a place written in a story... The elf figured out Eragon's puzzle ring on the lake which I found funny.
I can't wait to continue!!! These books make life feel magical again.
